Tavares Offers an Explanation

Team president Tony Tavares on Monday clarified the Ducks’ removal of Paul Kariya-related merchandise from the Pond team store.

Tavares said the merchandise was pulled from the team store during the exhibition season to make room for new items. He said the merchandise was back on the shelves in time for Friday’s home-opening game against the Ottawa Senators.

A quick check of the team store Monday showed several action photos of Kariya and one style of a T-shirt with his likeness on it for sale. There appeared to be far more Teemu Selanne and Guy Hebert merchandise available, however.

*

Willie O’Ree, who broke the NHL’s color barrier with the Boston Bruins in 1957, participated in the ceremonial opening faceoff.